There's no such thing as a NC level 9, is there?

[hillian]

So what happens to the children who reach level 8A before year 9? Or does that never happen?

They will get EP which stands for exceptional progress. However, I would expect schools to start giving GCSE levels to a class in year 9 with v bright students.

Level 8 used to be similar to a GCSE Grade B, 9 was like an A and 10 an A*. My sister's year group was marked in levels, all the way up to and including Year 11. This was 20 years ago though...

From the experience of my ds, who started Yr9 this September - he is being given GCSE grades.

I gave GCSE grades to yr 9s last year whose work exceeded a L8. It was good for them to see what standard their work was, but since they hadn't actually started GCSEs, it didn't really mean anything IFSWIM.

It does happen IME and can do earlier than Y9. EP is next "Grade". For these pupils school organises individual extension work and other stuff organised as part of regional academic trust. Invitation only!